Number of Cryptosporidium Cases Triples in New Zealand

Fears of a widespread Cryptosporidium outbreak in New Zealand have been played down by the country’s health officials, despite a 300 percent increase in reported cases since the start of 2024. 262 cases of cryptosporidium have been reported up until March 8, prompting Health New Zealand to issue a statement reminding the public of ways to avoid catching the bug. The agency, however, stopped short of issuing notice of an outbreak, citing a lack of an infection cluster and no discernible link to infection sites. Susan Jack, national clinical director for protection at Health New Zealand, said there is currently “no suggestion” of a major cluster or concentrated outbreak, or any link to contaminated drinking water, which caused last year’s Queenstown outbreak....